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What Does the Future Look Like for the Cannabis Industry?

In recent years, people’s thoughts on marijuana have been evolving. While there is still some stigma around the “devil’s lettuce”, the cannabis industry has grown rapidly in the United States in the past decade. This comes as more people...
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In recent years, people’s thoughts on marijuana have been evolving. While there is still some stigma around the “devil’s lettuce”, the cannabis industry has grown rapidly in the United States in the past decade. This comes as more people are seeming to turn to the pain-relieving qualities of the cannabis plant through the compound called CBD.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is not like THC, which is the psychoactive ingredient in hemp that is associated with getting high. CBD products have emerged as a considerable solution for people dealing with chronic ailments like arthritis and multiple sclerosis, as well as to ease mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. With that in mind, what else does the future hold for the cannabis industry?

Development of New Products

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While the CBD market has seen significant growth with various creams, oils, tinctures, and edibles, new products are taking an even deeper approach to cannabis and the endocannabinoid system of the human body, interacting with receptors to cause a reaction that can create homeostasis within the system.

THC Delta 8 is a powerful cannabinoid from the cannabis plant. Delta 8 THC is an isomer of CBD, which is a derivative of hemp and CBD. Delta 8 THC can also be understood as a hybrid of hemp, CBD, and Delta 9 THC. The usage and legalization of this product is the result of the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill that specifically gave approval to such derivatives of marijuana.

According to The National Cancer Institute, Delta 8 THC is defined as an analog of THC that can carry neuroprotective properties, while also helping to combat nausea, anxiety, and sluggish appetite. They also stated that this agent exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than Delta 9 THC, the primary form of THC found in cannabis. The benefits of Delta 8 can be found in tinctures, edibles, disposable devices, extracts, and even vape cartridges.

Production Expansion

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More companies are finding their way into CBD production and legal cannabis, which is upping the need for production and proper product handling. A case packer machine helps companies to pack their products quickly and efficiently, with various options that are automated procedurally, requiring simple maintenance for next-level performance in packaging.

Depending on the size and frequency of production, case packing can be completed with horizontal load machines that can operate at as high as 45 cases per minute on your product line. Top load machines ensure greater interaction between product and packaging, leaving a small footprint in the process of loading roughly 25 cases per minute.

Bottom load machines minimize the footprint even further while packing up to 15 cases per minute, a suggested production that’s ideal for heavier objects to make their way to the end of the line.

Policy Reform

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As more states appear to give the go-ahead on the use of CBD products, others are latching on to the legalization of marijuana. According to cannabis industry research firm Viridian Capital, marijuana companies raised nearly $117 billion in capital in 2019. However, big banks aren’t quite ready to jump into the hemp game because of regulations in place and the need for clarity between federal and state law.

While the Trump administration initially shrugged off the thought of national legalization under former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, his successor, William Barr, took a slightly softer approach. Barr allowed for states that had legalized marijuana, even for medicinal purposes, to continue to do so, while also giving other states the chance to opt-in.

Things could be looking up to make formalized legislation happen with the Biden administration. The President-Elect is looking to have marijuana decriminalized, while his VP to be, Kamala Harris is the co-sponsor of the Marijuana Justice Act. This bill will not only decriminalize cannabis but will expunge the convictions of those caught with marijuana in the past.

Whichever way the CBD market goes, there are sure to be exciting developments afoot. CBD is readily to provide relief for everyone from cancer patients receiving chemotherapy to people with arthritis. With a growing understanding of THC, CBD, and the main differences between them, who knows what the future holds? What’s for sure is that it’ll be a fascinating time for people interested in the wonderful properties of hemp.

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